From the people behind Palm House, Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, and Chewton Glen comes Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club; a quietly glamorous Andalusian gem where deep-rooted cultural connection meets contemporary elegance.
Perched along the serene shores of Playa del Real de Zaragoza, one of Marbella’s most tranquil beaches, Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club epitomises the soul of Andalusia: a place where time-honoured traditions meet an inimitable glamour and joie de vivre. Blending cultural heritage with contemporary elegance, Gran Marbella embodies a quietly glamorous experience – one that whispers rather than shouts, where time seems to slow down intentionally, and where deep connections are forged with the rich historical tapestry of the region.
Boasting 125 elegantly designed rooms, 10 signature suites, and 2 meeting rooms, Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club offers an exclusive retreat infused with Andalusian heritage and modern sophistication. Guests can choose from a selection of suites, including the opulent Royal Marbella Suite, the tranquil Garden Suites, and the breathtaking Terrace Suites, featuring private pools or Jacuzzis and unparalleled views. The expansive terraces in these suites provide the perfect venue for hosting intimate gatherings, incentive events, cocktails, and private dinners, offering a truly unforgettable setting.
This new luxury Andalusian hotel will become the ninth property in L+R Hotel’s prestigious Iconic Luxury Hotels collection, which includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels, including British icons Cliveden House and Chewton Glen. The addition of Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club comes hot on the heels of the recent debut of Palm House in Palm Beach, Florida, marking the third international venture from Iconic Luxury Hotels.
The hotel’s interior design and architecture pay homage to Andalusia’s Moorish legacy, brought to life by luxury hospitality designer Goddard Littlefair. Sweeping horseshoe arches, local stone masonry and ornate zellige tilework honour centuries-old craftsmanship, while delicate jali windows and handcrafted Moorish lanterns see shadows dance across walls, transforming every corner of the hotel with an ethereal illumination.
Intimate courtyards come alive with gentle water features and towering lush greenery, reminiscent of traditional Andalusian riads, a perfect backdrop for weddings. The colour palette draws directly from the earth and landscape: warm terracotta, soft ochre, deep burnt sienna, and muted sage tones that capture the sun-drenched essence of the region. Citrus scents of lemon verbena and blood orange infuse each deeply inviting space, bringing the luminous Andalusian landscape into every corner of the hotel. Three sun-kissed swimming pools beckon, each scattered across the hotel’s terrain: one welcomes families with playful warmth, while another offers a refined adult retreat.
At the heart of Gran Marbella is a deep-rooted connection to its locale: an ethos that will underpin the hotel’s exceptional culinary offering across its four restaurants and bars. The all-day dining restaurant – an al fresco space that captures the Andalusian essence of indoor-outdoor living – will celebrate traditional flavours through seasonal, local produce. Catch of the day is served on open barbecues, zingy salads and morning juices are packed full of just-picked fruit, and seasonal vegetables harvested from the earth are sourced from generations of trusted local suppliers. A collection of cool hangout spaces and bars are scattered throughout the hotel, where guests can spend long afternoons over light bites, Spanish wines and orange-infused Caipirinhas.
Set to become a vibrant social hub for in-the-know crowds heading to this untapped corner of Marbella, the hotel’s beach club, Amu Beach Club – the second outpost of Amu after Monaco – will be the beating heart of the hotel, with an infinity pool, chic oceanside dining spots, panoramic sunset views and direct beach access. Local residents and hotel guests alike are encouraged to indulge in languid lunches and sunset soirees to the backdrop of Mediterranean sounds and a flamenco spirit; a nod to Marbella’s golden years and the glamorous gatherings of a bygone era.
A cavernous spa promises a breathtaking oasis of tranquility. Seven treatment cabins will offer spoiling spa treatments, wellbeing rituals and sensory journeys, while a sauna, steam room, indoor swimming pool and plenty of relaxation spaces dissolve tensions from weary souls. Nearby, a studio pulses with transformative energy – a sacred space for yoga, meditation, breathwork, Technogym equipment and Pilates classes.
Captivating the enchanting spirit of the Andalusian people and their way of life, Gran Marbella will connect guests with authentic experiences that bring to life the region’s storied history. Craft workshops with the Andalusian artisans and craftsmen will teach guests time-honoured traditions, while wine tasting, olive oil tasting and immersive fishing and sailing experiences celebrate the hotel’s network of local suppliers, equipped with generations of passed-down knowledge. Located in the heart of one of Marbella’s most unspoilt villages and on the edge of 27km of golden sand beaches, guests are encouraged to explore the very best this corner of southern Spain has to offer, whether that be a rugged mountain hike, strolling through the idyllic nearby fishing villages or shopping in Marbella’s vibrant Old Town.
Hotel website
Gran Marbella Resort & Beach ClubMarbella, 29604Spain